Memories from past life?

[Pawel]

[QUOTE=Hubert;25084]It is normal to feel aversion towards former lives. One way of realizing them is actually what you did: to collect everything from your mind, and memories, what you did not like as persoanl expereince or situation. And while in the beginning this will feel artificial, the more exigent you are in self knowledge about your aversions, the more you will feel linked to this image until it form the image of a human being, something you never wanted to be … and that is what you were.
I think you just stopped because noone said feeling aversion for it is normal.[/QUOTE]

Hi Hubert,

I wasn’t too clear in my post - this aversion wasn’t toward the content of this fantasy (as I understand what it was - a creativity of my imagination inspired by my current state). Opposite rather, this fantasy was very nice in fact - it was about being close, connected with my friends in a meaningful and romantic way. My aversion was toward my willingness to immerse in this fantasy and believe it is true. I felt that if I will not stop, I will end up as some crazy person believing any past life story only because it is warm and spiritual (in opposition to dry and limited rationalists questioning such stories, as people who are less developed spiritually). Because I would start to have a personal interest in enforcing it and protecting against questioning (since it would become part of my identity).

I?m bit afraid of being deluded by sweetness and emotional benefits of certain interpretations of experiences or views of the world. I recalled now those children stories when main character has to go through enchanted garden in order to reach the goal. And the goal is usually something little and humble comparing to seductions of the garden (which would trap you forever if you try). Sometimes I feel like that in spiritual life. That?s why I want to just relax and investigate things before accepting them as path to go. And if I find some warning lights (inability to self-doubt and accept possibility of error, lack of references showing similarities in other traditions, etc.) go back. For example, how to check whether this information about past life is coming from fantasizing sub-consciousness or from some deep part of yourself (or external source) storing past-life memories?

[Asuri]

Here is a quote from Alexander Berzin about his former teacher Tsenzhab Serkong Rinpoche, who he now knows as a young man:

Although he has a similar sense of humor to that of his predecessor and shares the same practical down-to-earth approach, the young Serkong Rinpoche has his own personality. What continue from one lifetime to the next are the talents, propensities, and karmic connections. In my relationship with him, I feel somewhat like a member of Captain Kirk?s original Star Trek crew who has now joined Captain Picard of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Everything has changed and yet there is definite continuity.

As I understand it, Buddhism focuses not so much on remembering past lives, but on the ability to purposely and consciously reincarnate.

The article here contains a fascinating description of Tsenzhab Serkong Rinpoche’s death and reincarnation. It’s a long article, and the relevant part is toward the bottom of the page.

Here is another interesting quote from a different article:

In my own case, the deepest relationship I have with a spiritual teacher spans two lifetimes of that teacher. I spent nine years as disciple, interpreter, English secretary, and foreign tour manager of Tsenzhab Serkong Rinpoche, the late Master Debate Partner and Assistant Tutor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Rinpoche passed away in 1983, was reborn exactly nine months later, and was identified and returned to Dharamsala at the age of four. Both he and I reconfirmed our deep bond the moment we met a few months later. When asked by an attendant if he knew who I was, the young tulku replied, “Don’t be stupid. Of course I know who he is.” Ever since, Rinpoche has treated me as a close member of his spiritual household - something that a four-year-old cannot fake. I, in turn, have had no doubts about our deep connection.

The full text of the article is here.

[kareng]

Something comforting about these quotes! Hav’nt had time to think why yet

Thanks

[trueevent]

sir i think may be you right.but i can not find it.plz help me
thanx,